US20080007794A1 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer program product - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer program product Download PDFInfo
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- US20080007794A1 US20080007794A1 US11/770,930 US77093007A US2008007794A1 US 20080007794 A1 US20080007794 A1 US 20080007794A1 US 77093007 A US77093007 A US 77093007A US 2008007794 A1 US2008007794 A1 US 2008007794A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 title claims description 6
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 27
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 21
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N1/32561—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device using a programmed control device, e.g. a microprocessor
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
- H04N1/00411—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
- H04N1/00413—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus using menus, i.e. presenting the user with a plurality of selectable options
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00482—Output means outputting a plurality of job set-up options, e.g. number of copies, paper size or resolution
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
- H04N2201/0094—Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program product.
- a conventional multifunction product which is an example of an image forming apparatus, includes functions of a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and a scanner, etc.
- Some function provided by default in an MFP may not be useful for some user and such a user may require that function to be removed.
- Some user may require addition of a user specific function to the functions provided by default. That is, there is a need to add or remove functions to the MFP.
- Japanese Patent No. 3679349 discloses an MFP that has a software configuration in which applications for implementing multiple functions are installed on a versatile operating system (OS). Such configuration has made it easier to add or remove functions to MFPs.
- OS versatile operating system
- a user interface related to display also needs to be changed accordingly.
- logic that interprets settings received from the user interface also needs to be changed.
- the point of change is not localized, if a predetermined function is changed, other functions also need to be changed.
- an image forming apparatus that includes multiple functions related to an image forming process includes a presentation layer that manages information received from a user and information to be output for the user; a logic layer that specifies at least one specific function from among the functions based on the information managed by the presentation layer; and a device layer that controls the functions and performs the specific function.
- a method of forming an image on an image forming apparatus that includes multiple functions related to an image forming process includes managing, in a presentation layer, information received from a user and information to be output for the user in; specifying, in a logic layer, at least one specific function from among the functions based on the information managed by the presentation layer; and controlling, in a device layer, the functions and performs the specific function.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific process performed by each component
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed by a setting unit shown in FIG. 1 that acquires separately a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition;
- FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of the process shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process of receiving a setting of a document-operating condition by a remote UI from the user;
- FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of the process shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to a four-line LCD
- FIG. 8 is an example of display of a WVGA screen
- FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to the WVGA screen.
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the MFP.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the MFP 10 includes software architecture that is divided into three layers: a presentation layer 12 , a logic layer 14 , and a device layer 16 . Each layer includes a plurality of components.
- the MFP 10 includes a common function 18 commonly used by all the layers.
- the common function 18 includes an aspect 180 .
- the presentation layer 12 , the logic layer 14 , and the device layer 16 are arranged in such a manner that even if change occurs in a process performed in each of the layers, the other layers are not affected.
- the presentation layer 12 includes a user interface 100 and a setting-request editing unit 110 .
- the logic layer 14 includes a setting unit 130 , a control 140 , and an application logic 150 .
- the device layer 16 includes a device service 160 and a device 170 .
- the user interface 100 receives a request from a user or a service user of web service and the like.
- the logic layer 14 delegates execution of the request to the components of the logic layer 14 .
- the setting-request editing unit 110 edits the request received from the user interface 100 in a size acquired by the control 140 .
- the setting-request editing unit 110 functions as a second editing unit.
- the control 140 combines provided functions necessary for the request from the user interface 100 .
- Each of the provided functions is a function of a single device such as reading and printing.
- the application logic 150 is a group of functions provided by the MFP 10 , and includes functions such as receiving, transmitting besides reading and printing mentioned above.
- the device service 160 is used by the application logic 150 as well.
- the device 170 performs device control for, for example, operating hardware and OS. Even if the OS or the hardware changes, wrapping is performed so that the layers mentioned above are not affected.
- the aspect 180 handles logic that influences each component mentioned above such as access control, history, and accounting.
- the aspect 180 prevents concentration of change to the specification of the logic that occurs when each component is plugged in or customized.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific process performed by each component. Explained below is a process of copying.
- the user interface 100 includes a local user interface (UI) 102 and a remote user interface (UI) 104 .
- UI user interface
- UI remote user interface
- the local UI 102 receives a print request from a user, the local UI 102 sends the print request to a session management 142 and a request management 144 of the control 140 .
- the request management 144 combines activities to realize the user's request and generates a copy activity 146 .
- An activity is a combination of the provided functions.
- the session management 142 has a function of associating the user with the activity from the time the user logs in until the time the user logs out.
- the control 140 specifies functions related to the copy activity 146 from the application logic 150 , specifically from a reading 152 , a printing 154 , and a document processing 156 .
- the reading 152 sends address information read from a scanner or image identifying information such as handling ID to an image pipe 162 of the device service 160 .
- the printing 154 records the image identifying information onto a transfer sheet. The printing 154 decides execution order of printing processes, and based on the order of priority, executes the printing processes.
- the document processing 156 reads the image identifying information from the image pipe 162 , which is a subcomponent of the device service 160 , and sets processes such as data combine and reduce/enlarge in an image processing unit (IPU) 178 in the device 170 .
- the IPU 178 is a data driver that controls an IPU-application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processed image identifying information is sent to the image pipe 162 .
- ASIC IPU-application specific integrated circuit
- the image pipe 162 temporarily stores therein the image identifying information written from each of the subcomponents, that is, the reading 152 , the printing 154 , and the document processing 156 . Whenever requested, the image pipe 162 sends the image identifying information.
- a scanner 172 in the device 170 operates to scan (read) a document, and according to an instruction from the printing 154 , a plotter 174 operates to plot (print) the scanned document. Furthermore, according to an instruction from the image pipe 162 , a memory 176 operates. According to an instruction from the document processing 156 , the IPU 178 operates. Thus, the logic layer 14 operates in response to a request from the presentation layer 12 .
- the setting unit 130 divides or integrates a request acquired from the logic layer 14 to a size set by the application logic 150 . Thus, it is possible to prevent influence of changes in the logic layer 14 on other layers.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed by the setting unit 130 when it receives document processing conditions separately.
- the setting unit 130 separately receives a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition as document processing conditions, and processes those conditions. Those conditions are input by the user through the local UI 102 .
- the reading condition, the processing condition, and the printing condition are of an equivalent size as that of the reading 152 , the document processing 156 , and the printing 154 of the application logic 150 . Therefore, it is possible to set the conditions as they are to each of the subcomponents.
- the setting unit 130 functions as a first editing unit.
- the control 140 sets the document-operating conditions, divided or integrated by the setting unit 130 , to each of the subcomponents. That is, the control 140 functions as a setting unit.
- FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of the process shown in FIG. 3 .
- the user interface 100 receives an instruction to start operation, the user interface 100 sends that instruction to the logic layer 14 (step S 100 ).
- the presentation layer 12 instructs the logic layer 14 to set the reading condition (step S 102 ).
- the reading condition is sent to the logic layer 14 and is set to the reading 152 through the setting unit 130 (steps S 104 and S 106 ).
- the presentation layer 12 instructs the logic layer 14 to set processing condition (step S 110 ). Subsequently, the processing condition is set to the document processing 156 through the setting unit 130 (steps S 112 and S 114 ).
- the presentation layer 12 instructs the logic layer 14 to set printing condition (step S 120 ). Subsequently, the printing condition is set to the printing 154 through the setting unit 130 (steps S 122 and S 124 ). Thereafter, an instruction is sent from the presentation layer 12 to the logic layer 14 to start execution (step S 130 ).
- condition input through the local UI 102 is a condition corresponding to each of the subcomponents of the application logic 150 , each condition is set to the corresponding subcomponent.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed when the remote UI 104 receives a request to set a document-operating condition from a user.
- the document-operating condition including a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition is sent to the logic layer 14 .
- the setting unit 130 divides the document-operating condition into each of the subcomponents of the application logic 150 . Specifically, the setting unit 130 divides the document-operating condition into the reading condition, the processing condition, and the printing condition, and sets each of the conditions to the corresponding subcomponents.
- FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of the process shown in FIG. 5 .
- the user interface 100 of the presentation layer 12 receives an instruction from a user to start operation, the user interface 100 sends the instruction to the logic layer 14 to start operation (step S 100 ).
- an instruction is sent to the logic layer 14 to set the document-operating condition (step S 140 ).
- the setting unit 130 sets the document-operating condition by dividing it into a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition (steps S 142 and S 144 ).
- the reading condition is set to the reading 152 (step S 146 ), the processing condition is set to the document processing 156 (step S 148 ), and the printing condition is set to the printing 154 (step S 150 ). Thereafter, an instruction is sent from the presentation layer 12 to the logic layer 14 to start execution (step S 152 ).
- the setting unit 130 divides the condition according to each of the subcomponents. That is, if the condition received by the setting unit 130 is larger than the size of the subcomponents of the application logic 150 , the condition is divided into units of the subcomponents. Thus, it is possible to assimilate difference in size.
- the setting unit 130 can combine the plurality of conditions.
- the setting-request editing unit 110 of the presentation layer 12 divides or integrates conditions to be sent from the presentation layer 12 into a size suitable for the logic layer 14 . Thus, any impact on the other layers due to a change and the like in the presentation layer 12 can be avoided. Process in the setting-request editing unit 110 is described in detail below.
- the MFP 10 includes a four-line liquid crystal display (LCD) with a limited space for display
- a user needs to input a plurality of setting conditions in an order while referring to contents of the display. For example, to obtain a document printed on both sides of a sheet from an original printed on one-side, the user needs to select a two sided button that instructs printing on both sides of the sheet. Then, the user needs to select a one sided-two sided button. When the user needs to obtain a left side of printed sheets bound, the user selects a bind-on-left button.
- LCD liquid crystal display
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the setting-request editing unit 110 corresponding to the four-line LCD.
- options of, two sided, one sided-two sided, bind-on-left are selected from a display screen, and are confirmed.
- a two-sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S 200 )
- a one sided-two sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S 202 )
- a bind-on-left setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S 204 ).
- two-sided setting confirmation is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S 206 ).
- the setting-request editing unit 110 combines all these conditions, and sends one setting condition of two-sided printing to the logic layer 14 (step S 208 ).
- FIG. 8 is an example of display on a WVGA screen.
- buttons each corresponding to a setting parameter are displayed. If the user is to input the setting conditions as mentioned above, the user can select a button 300 .
- the button 300 is used to output two sided print of an original document printed on one-side, and to instruct to bind the print on left side.
- FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to the WVGA screen.
- a two-sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 , which instructs one sided-two sided printing with left binding (step S 210 ).
- Two-sided setting confirmation is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S 212 ).
- the setting-request editing unit 110 sends the two-sided setting condition to the logic layer 14 (step S 214 ).
- the setting-request editing unit 110 combines setting conditions specified through the four-line LCD, and edits the setting conditions in a form identical to the form of the setting conditions specified through the WVGA screen and to be sent to the logic layer 14 .
- the setting-request editing unit 110 is able to assimilate the differences. Even if the screen structure or screen sequence changes, the structure of the logic layer 14 is not affected. Thus, it is possible to change each of the functions with ease, and improve reusability.
- the setting-request editing unit 110 can divide the setting condition into the units of the setting condition to be sent to the logic layer 14 .
- the setting-request editing unit 110 is instructed through a button on the WVGA screen to set one sided-two sided setting, the condition is divided into one-sided reading and two-sided printing.
- the one-sided read setting is sent to the reading 152 in the application logic 150
- two-sided print setting is sent to the printing 154 in the application logic 150 .
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the MFP 10 .
- the MFP 10 includes the scanner 172 , the plotter 174 , a device controlling unit 204 that controls the scanner 172 , the plotter 174 , and a network controlling unit 208 that connects to a network for communication.
- the MFP 10 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 210 that stores therein various programs and data, a central processing unit (CPU) 212 that controls each unit of the MFP 10 according to the programs in the ROM 210 , a random access memory (RAM) 214 that stores therein data required to control the MFP 10 , and a static random access memory (SRAM) 216 .
- the MFP 10 further includes an image memory 218 that retains the image data read by the scanner 172 , an operation panel 220 , and an operation-panel controlling unit 222 that controls the operation panel 220 .
- the layer structure of the MFP 10 explained as above can be implemented by computer programs; in other words, computer programs can be executed on a computer to implement the same functions as the MFP 10 .
- the commuter programs are stored in, for example, the ROM 210 and executed by the CPU 212 .
Abstract
Description
- The present document incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese priority document, 2006-184533 filed in Japan on Jul. 4, 2006.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program product.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A conventional multifunction product (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, includes functions of a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and a scanner, etc.
- Some function provided by default in an MFP may not be useful for some user and such a user may require that function to be removed. Some user may require addition of a user specific function to the functions provided by default. That is, there is a need to add or remove functions to the MFP.
- Japanese Patent No. 3679349 discloses an MFP that has a software configuration in which applications for implementing multiple functions are installed on a versatile operating system (OS). Such configuration has made it easier to add or remove functions to MFPs.
- For example, if a screen layout is to be changed, a user interface related to display also needs to be changed accordingly. Furthermore, logic that interprets settings received from the user interface also needs to be changed. Thus, because the point of change is not localized, if a predetermined function is changed, other functions also need to be changed.
- It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that includes multiple functions related to an image forming process includes a presentation layer that manages information received from a user and information to be output for the user; a logic layer that specifies at least one specific function from among the functions based on the information managed by the presentation layer; and a device layer that controls the functions and performs the specific function.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an image on an image forming apparatus that includes multiple functions related to an image forming process includes managing, in a presentation layer, information received from a user and information to be output for the user in; specifying, in a logic layer, at least one specific function from among the functions based on the information managed by the presentation layer; and controlling, in a device layer, the functions and performs the specific function.
- The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific process performed by each component; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed by a setting unit shown inFIG. 1 that acquires separately a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition; -
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of the process shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process of receiving a setting of a document-operating condition by a remote UI from the user; -
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of the process shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to a four-line LCD; -
FIG. 8 is an example of display of a WVGA screen; -
FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to the WVGA screen; and -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the MFP. - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of anMFP 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 10 includes software architecture that is divided into three layers: apresentation layer 12, alogic layer 14, and adevice layer 16. Each layer includes a plurality of components. The MFP 10 includes acommon function 18 commonly used by all the layers. Thecommon function 18 includes anaspect 180. Thepresentation layer 12, thelogic layer 14, and thedevice layer 16 are arranged in such a manner that even if change occurs in a process performed in each of the layers, the other layers are not affected. - The
presentation layer 12 includes auser interface 100 and a setting-request editing unit 110. Thelogic layer 14 includes asetting unit 130, acontrol 140, and anapplication logic 150. Thedevice layer 16 includes adevice service 160 and adevice 170. - The
user interface 100 receives a request from a user or a service user of web service and the like. Thelogic layer 14 delegates execution of the request to the components of thelogic layer 14. - The setting-
request editing unit 110 edits the request received from theuser interface 100 in a size acquired by thecontrol 140. The setting-request editing unit 110 functions as a second editing unit. - The
control 140 combines provided functions necessary for the request from theuser interface 100. Each of the provided functions is a function of a single device such as reading and printing. Theapplication logic 150 is a group of functions provided by theMFP 10, and includes functions such as receiving, transmitting besides reading and printing mentioned above. - The
device service 160 is used by theapplication logic 150 as well. Thedevice 170 performs device control for, for example, operating hardware and OS. Even if the OS or the hardware changes, wrapping is performed so that the layers mentioned above are not affected. - The
aspect 180 handles logic that influences each component mentioned above such as access control, history, and accounting. Theaspect 180 prevents concentration of change to the specification of the logic that occurs when each component is plugged in or customized. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific process performed by each component. Explained below is a process of copying. Theuser interface 100 includes a local user interface (UI) 102 and a remote user interface (UI) 104. When thelocal UI 102 receives a print request from a user, thelocal UI 102 sends the print request to asession management 142 and arequest management 144 of thecontrol 140. - The
request management 144 combines activities to realize the user's request and generates acopy activity 146. An activity is a combination of the provided functions. Thesession management 142 has a function of associating the user with the activity from the time the user logs in until the time the user logs out. - The
control 140 specifies functions related to thecopy activity 146 from theapplication logic 150, specifically from areading 152, aprinting 154, and adocument processing 156. Thereading 152 sends address information read from a scanner or image identifying information such as handling ID to animage pipe 162 of thedevice service 160. Theprinting 154 records the image identifying information onto a transfer sheet. Theprinting 154 decides execution order of printing processes, and based on the order of priority, executes the printing processes. - The
document processing 156 reads the image identifying information from theimage pipe 162, which is a subcomponent of thedevice service 160, and sets processes such as data combine and reduce/enlarge in an image processing unit (IPU) 178 in thedevice 170. TheIPU 178 is a data driver that controls an IPU-application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processed image identifying information is sent to theimage pipe 162. - The
image pipe 162 temporarily stores therein the image identifying information written from each of the subcomponents, that is, the reading 152, theprinting 154, and thedocument processing 156. Whenever requested, theimage pipe 162 sends the image identifying information. - According to an instruction from the reading 152, a
scanner 172 in thedevice 170 operates to scan (read) a document, and according to an instruction from theprinting 154, aplotter 174 operates to plot (print) the scanned document. Furthermore, according to an instruction from theimage pipe 162, amemory 176 operates. According to an instruction from thedocument processing 156, theIPU 178 operates. Thus, thelogic layer 14 operates in response to a request from thepresentation layer 12. - A process performed by the
setting unit 130 is described in detail below. Thesetting unit 130 divides or integrates a request acquired from thelogic layer 14 to a size set by theapplication logic 150. Thus, it is possible to prevent influence of changes in thelogic layer 14 on other layers. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed by thesetting unit 130 when it receives document processing conditions separately. Thesetting unit 130 separately receives a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition as document processing conditions, and processes those conditions. Those conditions are input by the user through thelocal UI 102. The reading condition, the processing condition, and the printing condition are of an equivalent size as that of the reading 152, thedocument processing 156, and theprinting 154 of theapplication logic 150. Therefore, it is possible to set the conditions as they are to each of the subcomponents. Thesetting unit 130 functions as a first editing unit. Thecontrol 140 sets the document-operating conditions, divided or integrated by thesetting unit 130, to each of the subcomponents. That is, thecontrol 140 functions as a setting unit. -
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of the process shown inFIG. 3 . When theuser interface 100 receives an instruction to start operation, theuser interface 100 sends that instruction to the logic layer 14 (step S100). When a reading condition is specified by the user, thepresentation layer 12 instructs thelogic layer 14 to set the reading condition (step S102). Subsequently, the reading condition is sent to thelogic layer 14 and is set to the reading 152 through the setting unit 130 (steps S104 and S106). - When a processing condition is specified by the user, the
presentation layer 12 instructs thelogic layer 14 to set processing condition (step S110). Subsequently, the processing condition is set to thedocument processing 156 through the setting unit 130 (steps S112 and S114). - When a printing condition is specified by the user, the
presentation layer 12 instructs thelogic layer 14 to set printing condition (step S120). Subsequently, the printing condition is set to theprinting 154 through the setting unit 130 (steps S122 and S124). Thereafter, an instruction is sent from thepresentation layer 12 to thelogic layer 14 to start execution (step S130). - Thus, if the condition input through the
local UI 102 is a condition corresponding to each of the subcomponents of theapplication logic 150, each condition is set to the corresponding subcomponent. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process performed when theremote UI 104 receives a request to set a document-operating condition from a user. In such a case, the document-operating condition including a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition is sent to thelogic layer 14. Thesetting unit 130 divides the document-operating condition into each of the subcomponents of theapplication logic 150. Specifically, thesetting unit 130 divides the document-operating condition into the reading condition, the processing condition, and the printing condition, and sets each of the conditions to the corresponding subcomponents. -
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of the process shown inFIG. 5 . When theuser interface 100 of thepresentation layer 12 receives an instruction from a user to start operation, theuser interface 100 sends the instruction to thelogic layer 14 to start operation (step S100). When a document-operating condition is specified by the user, an instruction is sent to thelogic layer 14 to set the document-operating condition (step S140). According to the instruction, thesetting unit 130 sets the document-operating condition by dividing it into a reading condition, a processing condition, and a printing condition (steps S142 and S144). The reading condition is set to the reading 152 (step S146), the processing condition is set to the document processing 156 (step S148), and the printing condition is set to the printing 154 (step S150). Thereafter, an instruction is sent from thepresentation layer 12 to thelogic layer 14 to start execution (step S152). - When a document-operating condition involving a plurality of components is input, the
setting unit 130 divides the condition according to each of the subcomponents. That is, if the condition received by thesetting unit 130 is larger than the size of the subcomponents of theapplication logic 150, the condition is divided into units of the subcomponents. Thus, it is possible to assimilate difference in size. - Even if the setting of the
presentation layer 12 is changed, it is not necessary to change a structure of thelogic layer 14. Thus, it is possible to change each of the functions with ease, and improve reusability. - In another example, when a set of a plurality of conditions included in input from a user corresponds to a single subcomponent, the
setting unit 130 can combine the plurality of conditions. - The setting-
request editing unit 110 of thepresentation layer 12 divides or integrates conditions to be sent from thepresentation layer 12 into a size suitable for thelogic layer 14. Thus, any impact on the other layers due to a change and the like in thepresentation layer 12 can be avoided. Process in the setting-request editing unit 110 is described in detail below. - For example, when the
MFP 10 includes a four-line liquid crystal display (LCD) with a limited space for display, a user needs to input a plurality of setting conditions in an order while referring to contents of the display. For example, to obtain a document printed on both sides of a sheet from an original printed on one-side, the user needs to select a two sided button that instructs printing on both sides of the sheet. Then, the user needs to select a one sided-two sided button. When the user needs to obtain a left side of printed sheets bound, the user selects a bind-on-left button. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the setting-request editing unit 110 corresponding to the four-line LCD. As mentioned above, options of, two sided, one sided-two sided, bind-on-left are selected from a display screen, and are confirmed. Accordingly, a two-sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S200), a one sided-two sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S202), and a bind-on-left setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S204). Furthermore, two-sided setting confirmation is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S206). The setting-request editing unit 110 combines all these conditions, and sends one setting condition of two-sided printing to the logic layer 14 (step S208). - Explained below is the
MFP 10 that includes wide video graphics array (WVGA).FIG. 8 is an example of display on a WVGA screen. On the WVGA screen, buttons each corresponding to a setting parameter are displayed. If the user is to input the setting conditions as mentioned above, the user can select abutton 300. Thebutton 300 is used to output two sided print of an original document printed on one-side, and to instruct to bind the print on left side. -
FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a process corresponding to the WVGA screen. When thebutton 300 on the screen is selected, and the setting is confirmed, a two-sided setting condition is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110, which instructs one sided-two sided printing with left binding (step S210). Two-sided setting confirmation is sent to the setting-request editing unit 110 (step S212). The setting-request editing unit 110 sends the two-sided setting condition to the logic layer 14 (step S214). - Thus, the setting-
request editing unit 110 combines setting conditions specified through the four-line LCD, and edits the setting conditions in a form identical to the form of the setting conditions specified through the WVGA screen and to be sent to thelogic layer 14. Thus, the setting-request editing unit 110 is able to assimilate the differences. Even if the screen structure or screen sequence changes, the structure of thelogic layer 14 is not affected. Thus, it is possible to change each of the functions with ease, and improve reusability. - In still another example, when a setting condition input by the user is larger than units of the setting condition that is to be sent to the
logic layer 14, the setting-request editing unit 110 can divide the setting condition into the units of the setting condition to be sent to thelogic layer 14. For example, when the setting-request editing unit 110 is instructed through a button on the WVGA screen to set one sided-two sided setting, the condition is divided into one-sided reading and two-sided printing. The one-sided read setting is sent to the reading 152 in theapplication logic 150, and two-sided print setting is sent to theprinting 154 in theapplication logic 150. -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of theMFP 10. TheMFP 10 includes thescanner 172, theplotter 174, adevice controlling unit 204 that controls thescanner 172, theplotter 174, and anetwork controlling unit 208 that connects to a network for communication. TheMFP 10 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 210 that stores therein various programs and data, a central processing unit (CPU) 212 that controls each unit of theMFP 10 according to the programs in theROM 210, a random access memory (RAM) 214 that stores therein data required to control theMFP 10, and a static random access memory (SRAM) 216. TheMFP 10 further includes animage memory 218 that retains the image data read by thescanner 172, anoperation panel 220, and an operation-panel controlling unit 222 that controls theoperation panel 220. - The layer structure of the
MFP 10 explained as above can be implemented by computer programs; in other words, computer programs can be executed on a computer to implement the same functions as theMFP 10. The commuter programs are stored in, for example, theROM 210 and executed by theCPU 212. - According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change each of the functions with ease, and improve reusability.
- Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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JP2006184533A JP4848212B2 (en) | 2006-07-04 | 2006-07-04 | Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program |
JP2006-184533 | 2006-07-04 |
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US20080007794A1 true US20080007794A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
US8259314B2 US8259314B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 |
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US11/770,930 Expired - Fee Related US8259314B2 (en) | 2006-07-04 | 2007-06-29 | Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer program product |
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US (1) | US8259314B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4848212B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101102385B (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US20110016464A1 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2011-01-20 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Information processor, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium |
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US5467181A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 1995-11-14 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Image forming system |
US5995712A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1999-11-30 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Image forming system with control of executing an image combine function |
US6020971A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 2000-02-01 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Information processing system and program storage device read by the system |
US20020054326A1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-05-09 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Method of and apparatus for image formation, and computer product |
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JP3679349B2 (en) | 2000-07-05 | 2005-08-03 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and application program |
EP1380932A3 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2004-03-17 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Image forming apparatus associating with other apparatuses through network |
JP2004312711A (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2004-11-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus and method for operating image forming apparatus by using remote application |
JP2006107301A (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-04-20 | Canon Inc | Extension controller |
JP2006155165A (en) * | 2004-11-29 | 2006-06-15 | Canon Inc | Printing system |
-
2006
- 2006-07-04 JP JP2006184533A patent/JP4848212B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-06-29 US US11/770,930 patent/US8259314B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-07-03 CN CN200710128709XA patent/CN101102385B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
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US5467181A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 1995-11-14 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Image forming system |
US5995712A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1999-11-30 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Image forming system with control of executing an image combine function |
US6020971A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 2000-02-01 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Information processing system and program storage device read by the system |
US20020054326A1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-05-09 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Method of and apparatus for image formation, and computer product |
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US20110016464A1 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2011-01-20 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Information processor, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium |
US8543995B2 (en) | 2009-07-17 | 2013-09-24 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Information processor, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN101102385B (en) | 2011-08-10 |
US8259314B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 |
JP4848212B2 (en) | 2011-12-28 |
CN101102385A (en) | 2008-01-09 |
JP2008017022A (en) | 2008-01-24 |
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